How to take an accurate substance use history.

Taking an accurate substance use history is of great importance in the management of addiction. There are a number of strategies that one could use but the most important part of history taking is that of demeanour and empathy. The best results and most accurate information are often obtained when one treats one’s patients with human empathy and in a non-judgemental manner. 

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Cracking Addiction explores the social and societal benefits of Methadone. 
Methadone has a number of benefits that extend from not only the person taking it but also society as a whole. Methadone decreases criminality with the overall reduction in convictions and cautions estimated to be at 10% for each six months enrolled in methadone maintenance therapy with patients in continuous treatment receiving the best outcomes.

Ferghal & Thileepan explore the role of Methadone in opioid agonist therapy.

Episode 13 of Cracking Addiction covers opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and the philosophy and evidence behind this highly effective treatment for patients with opioid use disorder.

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we cover the difference between dependence and addiction, the intricacies of addiction and provide a definition of opioid use disorder

Cracking Addiction covers the OPQRST framework and how to use this framework to prescribe safely to patients on opioid medications.

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we provide an introduction to opioids, how they work what receptors they act upon and some of the harms associated with opioids.

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we summarise the previous episodes detailing alcohol use disorder, alcohol withdrawal management, rationale for anti-craving medications and how to assist our patients in a safe, ethical and humane manner.

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss both Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART recovery programs and review the evidence base behind each of these interventions and how to help patients choose the best behavioural management program to help manage relapse prevention.

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we explore the common anti-craving medications used in alcohol use disorder and explain what the choices are, what the indications for these medications are, how they work as well as the common side effects and interactions.

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